1971, Canal breach at Dunham

The breach at Dunham in 1971 was to have the most far-reaching impact on the Bridgewater Canal.  The initial leak occurred at a point near the Bollin Aqueduct, some thirty feet above river level.  Quickly turning into a torrent of water, gushing into the river below which washed out a gorge in the embankment, 90 feet wide.